Eze – Pillars win fuels fire for fierce Abia derby

Pascal Eze says the 2-0 win against Kano Pillars on Sunday in Aba is a ‘morale-booster’ ahead of the Abia Derby against impressive Abia Warriors in Umuahia this weekend.

The People’s Elephant ended a run of three consecutive defeats in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a solid win against former champions Pillars, to dowse tension at the club following a 2-match ultimatum handed to head coach Stanley Eguma to improve results.

Speaking ahead of the showdown with neighbours Abia Warriors, who are currently second on the standings, Eze believes Enyimba are poised and well-placed to secure a good result in Umuahia.

“Our last win against Kano Pillars is like a morale-booster for us, because our previous performances have brought a lot of tension to the club, resulting in management giving our technical adviser (Stanley Eguma) ultimatum to turn things around,” he said.

“Those unimpressive results are not in line with our target for the season.

“However, against Abia Warriors this weekend – it is a derby match – and I know it is never easy in such games. But our win against Pillars is a morale-booster, and we would like to continue in the current form as we face them (Abia Warriors). We expect something good from Umuahia on Sunday.”

Abia Warriors, just like table-toppers Nasarawa United, have won all their five home games so far this season in addition to two away wins. That notwithstanding, the 25-year-old centre-back believes that record will count for little since it is a derby game.

“Abia Warriors truly have a very good record at home this season, but this is a derby match,” the former Heartland and Kwara United star said. “it is a game of pride, and in situations like this, that record is inconsequential.”